Page 37 of Locked Souls

Walking along the cobblestone halls, I lead Bastian, Levi, Ash, and Jonas—now known as the Wolf, Lion, Spider, and Scorpion—to one of the hidden passageways.

Masks firmly in place, I fix the hood of my black robe, and open the door by pressing onto a tile in the wall.

“This will take you right to the ceremony room.” I whisper as the walls echo, and we can't be spotted until we reach the others.

My grandmother knows more than she lets on, but that's her story to tell. The Eagle and Snake wait for us with a group of ten men in red cloaks.

This reminds me of the days when I went through the trials. Mine were different from the others, since it was my birthright.

I didn't have to overcome the three tasks, but I did need to get my hands bloody, more than once.

I wish I could have chosen Isabella as my mark, but I wasn't fortunate enough.

“All bow for The Dragon,” one of the guys barks, and all of the chatter ends.

I stand as the Initiates drop to their knees and begin the chant I know in my bones.

We bide by law and sacrifice.

The flesh between a woman’s legs is our price.

To honor thy society, the truth we must seek and always our secrets we must keep.

Lies and sins we will abolish, for the cause of the brotherhood is our promise.

When the last word is spoken, the lights shut off and the candles light up. I’ve always had a flare for the dramatics. A few of the pledges gasp, and one screams before passing out.

I nod to The Lion, and he walks over to the unconscious boy, scoops him up into a cradle carry, and removes him from the room.

We don’t have any time or space for weakness. He’s not the first, and won’t be the last, to pass out during a meeting.

“Now, I am going to be stepping away from my duties, so you will honor, respect, and bide by Lion, Wolf, Spider, and Scorpion. They will be your leaders, your mentors. You have taken the oath and the pledge; you know what happens if anyone is to reveal secrets that don’t exist.”

No one says anything, and I take that as their acceptance.

“Welcome to the Adams, your trials begin now.”

“Grati frates et initiati!”

TEMPEST

Living here with my best friend and her family is torture. Don't get me wrong, I love them to death, but their happily married bubble just makes me crave things that I can no longer have.

Laying here in bed, trying not to listen to Otto and Jacob in the shower, I put my headphones on and open my Kindle app.

Otto added some new books for me this morning, and I'm so thankful. God, I am thankful to them for so many things, but the way they love and support me and my son tops everything else.

I read a few pages before giving up. I don't know what is with me lately. Maybe I just need to get away from this house.

I think I'd be safe to go out for a few hours. Maybe I'll grab a Society member to guard me.

There are some really hot ones. They have that dangerous, broody attitude, which I happen to be a fan of.

I wonder if Jacob will get mad if I fuck one of his guys.

With that thought in mind, I turn my music off and get up. I don't go near the bathroom. They deserve some alone time.

Jacob has been really stressed lately. Isabella is escalating, and when this is all said and done, I don't think everyone we know and love will still be around.

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